Application procedure and admissions

All applications must be completed through the University's online application system. 

Frequently asked questions about applying to our Graduate Program can be found on our FAQ page.

Supplement Information Form

Below you will find six questions pertaining to the supplemental information section of the online system. Once you submit your supplemental information, you will not be able to change or correct it.

Question 1

This question is required for those who are applying from a university outside Canada, and optional for those applying from a Canadian University.

List your senior undergraduate and graduate mathematics courses. Describe their contents or give the name of the textbook used.

a) Algebra and logic course(s)

b) Analysis courses(s):

c) Geometry, topology and number theory course(s)

d) Other math course(s):

Question 2

List any publications for which you are the author/co-author (research papers, theses, technical reports, etc.).

Question 3

If you are not currently enrolled in an educational institution, please describe your professional activities since leaving school.

Question 4

This question is required for PhD applicants and optional for MMath applicants. 

Please write a one-page summary of a recently completed or in progress project from your current (or most recently completed) program of study, or outline a possible area that you might like to explore during your time at Waterloo. We encourage our applicants to apply for any major awards that they are eligible for (e.g. NSERC, OGS), and such applicants may simply repeat their statement from the award application.

Question 5

Please list (at least 1 and up to 3) supervisors with whom you would like to work with. Indicate N/A if this does not apply.

Application information

Please apply online.

Successful applicants for the September term can expect to receive an offer of admission as early as late February.

Application deadlines for Fall 2021 are as follows: 

• PhD: December 15, 2020
• MMath: January 15, 2021

Recommendations for admission are made by the Department of Pure Mathematics Graduate Committee with final approval by the University of Waterloo's Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA). Financial support is considered as part of the decision.

Generally, an ''Offer of Admission'' is conditional upon the completion of the applicant's current degree program. In such a case, final admission will not be granted until the following have been received:

• a final official transcript and/or,
• a final official degree certificate.

It is important that accepted applicants submit these documents as soon as possible.

Note: The Department of Pure Mathematics requires proof of English language proficiency (ELP), if applicable: 

• TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25)
• IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

See the GSPA ELP page for more information.

GRE is not required.

Students intending to come to Canada on student visas should note that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only issue such visas after an "Offer of Admission" letter, supplied online by the University of Waterloo Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, has been presented. Students should check their Quest account for their "Offer of Admission" letter and print it off once it appears.

You can begin your study permit application process (medical exam, application etc.) prior to learning the final results of your application. 

Do not leave for Canada until you have:

1. been admitted to the University of Waterloo, and an "Offer of Admission" letter appears in your University of Waterloo Quest account,

2. written assurance as to the financial support which you are to receive (should be contained in your "Offer of Admission" letter),

3. been issued a Study Permit by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Immigration authorities will insist on seeing the above documentation.